Death in Paradise fans ‘work out’ who DI Mervin’s ‘real father’ is in huge twist

Death in Paradise fans ‘rumble’ DI Mervin paternity twist(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim)

Death in Paradise fans were left on the edge of their seats after a major cliff-hanger at the end of season 14, where it was revealed that DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) has a brother on the island. The BBC show’s bosses and cast have kept mum about what’s to come, but viewers are convinced there’s more family drama on the horizon for the detective.

In the 2024 Christmas special, Mervin landed in Saint Marie to search for his estranged mother, who had given him up for adoption, only to discover she had died. There was a cloud of mystery surrounding her death, and Mervin wasted no time in getting to work.

He eventually found the person responsible and found closure after the whole ordeal. In the finale, the detective visited his mother’s grave to bid farewell before heading back to the UK, and stumbled upon a letter which made him realise he has other relatives on the Caribbean island.

Not only does he have an unknown brother, but fans are also speculating that season 15 could see a significant paternity twist involving Mervin’s boss, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington).

One fan took to social media to share their theory: “Selwyns is Mervin’s Dad. He had to step down when Mervin became a DI on the island. No idea on anything else, it doesn’t really fit in with the story, and I know there’s more holes than a colander, but that’s what I’m going with.”

Fans were left on a huge cliffhanger(Image: BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Lou Denim)

The fan theory that Mervin from the beloved show might be related to a key character has been swirling after it was revealed his father had a romantic island fling back in April 1974. But not everyone’s on board, with one viewer slamming the idea: “Selwyn already has had one unknown child plot. It would be boring to have another one,” reports the Express.

Another chimed in, doubting the theory’s merit: “The theory isn’t awful, but it doesn’t make sense also, it wouldn’t really improve the storyline, as Selwyn already has a daughter, and she is probably at least 10 years younger than Mervin.”

Yet, some fans are loving the speculation, with one praising: “Oh my goodness, I like that theory,” while another remains sceptical, pointing out: “Mervin was very clear he knew who he father was/is. Doesn’t mean he’s wrong.”

As the rumour mill churns, viewers will have to wait until the show’s Christmas special later this year to see if there’s any truth to the theories.